Rapport was brave, but it didn’t pay off; Nepo remains the sole leader of the FIDE Candidates

Richard Rapport suffered a tough loss against Ian Nepomniachtchi in today’s 7th round of the FIDE Candidates Chess Tournament 2022. Nepo was perfectly prepared for the Petroff variation that appeared on the board, going for the perpetual check after a rook sacrifice. Rapport was brave to refuse the threefold repetition and went into a clearly worse position which eventually ended in favor of the Russian grandmaster. Replay the game here

With four victories and 5.5/7 points, Nepomniachtchi secured the sole leadership in the event and tomorrow faces Ding Liren with Whites. FIDE Candidates 2022 Tournament pairings

More from the Candidates: R7 of the FIDE Candidates Chess 2022 opened with four ceremonial moves / “Magnus should decide whether he’ll play the next match 5 mins before the final round starts” / FIDE Candidates Chess Tournament 2022 – R7 preview / Live games

Rapport refuses the threefold repetition and goes for a clearly worse position 🤯 https://t.co/BLiIB9G9MG

— Chessdom (@chessdom) June 25, 2022

It’s official! Ian Nepomniachtchi defeats Richard Rapport with Black to win his fourth game at the #FIDECandidates and finish the first half of the tournament on whopping 5,5 out of 7. pic.twitter.com/KKvPtoo3BT

— International Chess Federation (@FIDE_chess) June 25, 2022

Ian's frowning with joy moments after the game was finished. #FIDECandidates

📷 by Stev Bonhage pic.twitter.com/8UlokXYrdU

— International Chess Federation (@FIDE_chess) June 25, 2022

Featured photo: FIDE/Stev Bonhage